Mithila's Makhana gets GI Tag

• 22 Aug 2022

Why In News?

• On August 20, 2022, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal informed that the central government has provided GI (geographical indication) tag to Makhana of Mithila in Bihar, famous all over the world.

Key Points

• So far, 5 agricultural products of the state, including Makhana in Mithila, have got the GI tag. Earlier, in the year 2016, Jardalu mango and katarni paddy of Bhagalpur, Magahi paan of Nawada and Shahi litchi of Muzaffarpur have been given GI tag.
• It is noteworthy that Mithila makhanas are famous all over the world. The taste of these makhanas and the process of growing them naturally makes them special. More than 90% of the makhanas found in different regions of the country come from Mithila.
• With the GI tag, now about five lakh farmers and makhana growers of Mithila region will get better prices for their produce.
• Significantly, the GI tag is mainly given to a natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods), originating from a certain geographical area. Usually such a name assures quality and uniqueness, which is due to its place of origin.
• The benefits of GI registration include legal protection of that item, prevention against unauthorized use by others, and promotion of exports.
• It is known that makhana is basically a crop grown in water. It contains 9.7 grams of protein and 14.4 grams of fiber. It is also a good source of calcium. People use it to make sweets, namkeen and kheer. Apart from this, soaked in milk and fed to young children.